Advanced Concepts in Data Filtering

Advanced data filtering makes it possible to define groups of parameters that work together to filter undesirable data from the report. Users can define multiple parameters and control the order of evaluation. Filter report data to control what users see at runtime.

Data filtering gives users the ability to control the content of the report. Filter extraneous data from the report by defining one or more parameters that are evaluated at runtime. The directional pad control () enables users to control the order of evaluation.

The individual arrows of the control perform the following functions:

Shifts a parameter one position higher in the list (retains indentation)

Shifts a parameter one position lower in the list (retains indentation)

Indents a parameter one position left

Indents a parameter one position right

As parameters are indented to the right, enclosing parentheses appear to indicate the order of evaluation.

Users can also perform a row-level comparison with fields in two different columns. In this case, the parameter takes the form of an equation similar to:

Label1 is Compared to Label2

where label1 represents the first column name, compared to represents a comparison operator, and label2 represents the second column name.

To compare values from two different columns:

1. From the Column drop-down menu, select the desired column.
2. From the Operator drop-down menu, select the desired comparison operator.
3. From the Value type drop-down menu, select Other Data Column.
4. From the Value field drop-down menu, select the desired column the comparison will be performed against.
5. Click OK to add the parameter to the report.
6. Click the icon adjacent to any parameter to delete that parameter from the report. Click the icon to modify a parameter.

Using Session Parameters

If session parameters have been defined for the Ad Hoc instance, the parameters detail dialog may be slightly different. See the following picture:

Notice that there is a Value source dropdown. The Value source is typically a Specific Value ; however, if session parameters have been defined, Session Parameter may be selected as the Value source. When Session Parameter is selected, a dropdown list of relevant session parameters is displayed.

Session parameters are one of five types; date, number, numeric list, text or textual list. The dropdown list of session parameters will contain the session parameters that match the data type of the Column. The list is also restricted by the Operator selected.

For date Columns, the date session parameters will be shown in the list of available session parameters.

For numeric Columns, either the number or numeric list session parameters will be shown in the list of available session parameters. If the Operator is set to In List or Not In List , the numeric list session parameters will be shown, otherwise the number session parameters will be shown.

For text Columns, either the text or textual list session parameters will be shown in the list of available session parameters. If the Operator is set to In List or Not In List , the textual list session parameters will be shown, otherwise the text session parameters will be shown.